Image copyright BARB Search and Rescue Image caption The group were reclaimed to the Somerset beach by hovercraft Image copyright BARB Search and Rescue Image caption They were checked out by paramedics, offered security recommendations about the “threat of the mud”

A BARB Search and Rescue spokesperson stated the group was identified by the beach warden “learning the sticky mud” on Sunday afternoon.

“They were covered in mud and wading gradually in the scorching hot sun without any drinking water and with the tide ready to turn,” he stated.

He stated the group was checked out by paramedics and provided security recommendations about the “threat of the mud” prior to being launched.